New data has found that movie piracy has skyrocketed in the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Fact, the UK's intellectual property protection organisation, has confirmed that overall links to illegal streaming sites doubled between February and April, suggesting that the ongoing lockdown has led to more people downloading films illegally.

Reflecting on the data, Kieron Sharp, the chief executive of Fact, said: "It's essential to remember that the only legal way of watching films is through the official providers.

"Every pirated link that we detect denies the rights holder of revenue they are entitled to, and also threatens investment in future content."

Research found that for some recently released movies, overall links to illegal streaming sites trebled between February and April.

Meanwhile, in March, Ofcom told people to stop using their microwave at the same time as their Wi-Fi.

The regulator gave people across the UK advice on how to deal with the increased pressure on broadband providers, with millions of people working remotely and using streaming services amid the lockdown.

Ofcom noted: "Did you know that microwave ovens can also reduce Wi-Fi signals?

"So don't use the microwave when you're making video calls, watching HD videos or doing something important online."